Merry Christmas

I have received many Christmas cards and pictures already this year and yet, once again, I didn't get any out!  I know, I'm a slacker...I have no excuse, I just did not do it...it's just that simple.
2011 has been a challenging but really good year for the Cheney family.  Let me see if I can break it down by the months...here goes:

JANUARY:  Cleo and I went into surgery on the 14th...myself to donate a kidney, Cleo to receive it.  It was a successful surgery from the get go and we were both home & healing by the 18th.  We had wonderful family who came and cared for us for 2 weeks until I could drive again and lots & lots of friends who brought us food for weeks on end.  We did a lot of napping, daytime tv watching, and walking which really helped the healing process

FEBRUARY & MARCH:  These 2 months were mostly healing time...miles and miles of walking and starting to do small projects around the house, garage, shed, etc.  Gearing up for spring and baseball season and Cleo looking forward to going back to work.  Cleo was also able to enjoy turkey hunting, which thankfully doesn't require a lot of physical strength.

APRIL:  Cleo returned to work...slowly at first, but after less than 2 weeks he was pretty much back to a regular schedule.  He is feeling great, has lots of energy and doctors are very pleased with his progress.  Went to a couple Braves games and watched even more on tv (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE baseball season!)

MAY:  The transplant doctors reluctantly give permission for Cleo to fly and we head to Utah for our oldest sons' wedding.  We are happy to welcome Mikell into our family and wish Kyle and her many, many years of happiness together. I flew to Wyoming to spend a week with my parents.  Dad is having a lot of health issues and I'm grateful I could spend a little time with he and my Mom. Got to see my sister and both of my brothers as well as my 3 beautiful nieces,so that was an added bonus.  Went to several more Braves games (did I mention I LOVE baseball??) continued walking and started doing yardwork.  Love being outside, especially before it gets really hot here in Georgia.

JUNE, JULY & AUGUST:  Lots of baseball, lots & lots of yardwork (only now it's starting to get really hot) bbqs with friends and enjoying getting back into a normal routine.  But most importantly, we welcomed our latest grandchild...Dachu Lee on August 31st.  He is super cute and completes Cori and Brandons' little family perfectly.  Cleo starts feeling crappy and the Dr determines that he has contracted the CMV virus...not uncommom for transplant patients...and he is put on anti-virals and antibiotics.

SEPTEMBER:  Drs say it's ok to fly and the virus counts are not dangerous, so we pack up and fly to Houston to spend Labor Day weekend with Tommy & Cindy (Cleos' brother).  We got to see 2 of their kids and some of their grandkids too, which was a bonus. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed saying goodbye to the end of summer and the start of Fall and with that comes hunting.  Cleo started bow hunting for deer.  Thankfully he can do it in our own back yard so he's able to spend many hours down in the woods.  He loves hunting as much as I love baseball so we are both happiest during these seasons!

OCTOBER:  Not such a great month...the CMV virus took a toll on Cleo and the combination of that and the meds to treat it, wiped out his white blood count.  He became really sick, really fast and ended up in the hospital for 5 days!  Piedmont Transplant Team is top notch...they had him home and on the mend in no time.  He only missed 3 days of work...what a trooper!  I was able to spend a weekend at the lake with some dear friends and another weekend in Florida with my best friend Tammy.  The rest of the month was spent watching my beloved Braves season come to an end...so sad, but seeing the Brewers go to the post season was equally as satisfying.  We'll get 'em this coming year...go NL!!!  And Cleo was finally feeling better and able to resume hunting.

NOVEMBER: We celebrated Jarods' 30th birthday (as well as he and Lindseys' 5th wedding anniversary) in Asheville, NC.  It was a really great party and an awesome way to celebrate 30 years of life, 5 years of marriage and being Cancer Free!!!  You Rock, J-Rod!!!  The 2nd weekend of the month, we flew to Utah and met up with Cleos' siblings, their spouses and his parents to celebrate his Mom & Dads' 60th wedding anniversary.  Park City was absolutely gorgeous, the snow fell to make for a beautiful back drop and we ate and laughed and shared so many memories and created even more with the family. It was a really fun weekend and one that we will all cherish for many years to come.  Before heading back to GA, Cleo and I were able to see Sara and her family and Cori and her family for a really short visit.  We sure do miss the kids, but we really miss the grandkids...they are each so unique and sweet in their own ways.  And although it's hard to not have them close, it makes us appreciate the time we get with them even more.  We finished off the month celebrating Thanksgiving with Jarod and Lindsey.  And Cleo continues to hunt...still no kill!

DECEMBER:  Always such a busy month...decorating the house, finishing the Christmas shopping, wrapping gifts, mailing packages, baking and Christmas parties and for most, doing Christmas cards!  As you can tell by this post, I skipped the last thing on that list and opted to do a "techno" Christmas card.  I vow to do better next year and actually mail a Christmas card, but for this year (and for lack of an excuse) this will have to suffice :-)  If I've forgotten anything, it doesn't mean it wasn't important or special, it just means sometimes I forget things, LOL.

So, as 2011 comes to a screeching halt, Cleo is still hunting (yep, still no kill!) and I'm already looking forward to baseball season and warmer weather. We hope to see lots of you in 2012 but most especially:

WE WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A VERY HAPPY, HEALTHY 2012!!! 

 



 

One Day visit with the kids/grandkids...way too short!

After our weekend trip to Park City to celebrate Cleos' parents 60th anniversary, we headed to Salt Lake to spend one day & night with our kids and grandkids.  It was way too short of a visit and we didn't get to see Kyle, Mikell or Brayden, but I'm glad we got to see the rest.  It was so fun to see our newest grandson Dachu, who is an absolute doll, looks just like his Daddy and is adored by his Mommy and big sisters.

Launa...she is still just as beautiful as ever.  She has the biggest heart and she's perfectly content being off by herself drawing or playing quietly.  She is a great big sister and is a big help to both her parents.

Teiha...she is spit fire.  She is very smart and excels in a lot of subjects, doing algebra already and she's only in 1st grade!  She is also a great big sister and loves to help with her little sister and brother.

Ellie...she is a mess!!!  This little girl is so cute, always walks around with a smile on her face, but makes you wonder what she's up to ;)  She is a very happy little girl and plays really good with her cousin Kenleigh.

Dachu...he is the cutest little man!  Just now starting to smile and laugh and he thinks he's bigger than he is and trys to sit up when he's laying on your lap (he's not even 3 months old).  He is a little fussy, but his Mommy says that's getting better.  He completes Cori and Brandons' family and they all make for a beautiful family.

Kenleigh...she has most definately got the "red-head personality".  She is such a smart, independent little girl.  She talks like she's 4 (just barely 2 now) and can navigate an IPhone like no little kid I've ever seen.  She is so cute and lights up a room with her personality.

So, that's the highlights of our grandkids...the kids were all doing well also.  They all looked really good, happy & healthy.  It was by far one of the shortest visits on record, but we're grateful for that time with them. Someday, we will all get together again for more than a day...but this just makes us appreciate and cherish the moments we get together.

Love you all so much

60th Anniversary Celebration~Park City, UT

Cleos' parents will be celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary next month...what an accomplishment!!!  To help them celebrate, Cleo and I along with his brother & sister in law that flew in from Houston, and his two sisters and their spouses who all live in Idaho and drove down with his parents, rented a condo in Park City UT for the weekend.  We all arrived on Friday afternoon and quickly got settled into the condo before relaxing and catching up for a couple hours.  We decided to just grab a quick bite at a local Mexican restaurant that night and then went back and hung out in front of the fire.  It was so warm and cozy in the condo and it was starting to get really cold and snowy outside.

We stayed up late laughing, snacking and just really having a lot of fun.  Cleo and I and Tom and Cindy were all pretty tired because we'd been up since like 3am EST to catch our flights...but we "sucked it up" and once we got our second wind, we were good.  It was pretty chill and lots of fun.  Once bedtime rolled around, we went to our chosen (or should I say assigned?) bedrooms...got settled (in our case there was some bed swapping going on, LOL!) and snuggled in for the night.  You just never know exactly what kind of sleeping accomodations you will get in a condo rental in a ski resort town and ours was no exception.  There was one main bedroom .. of course for Mom & Dad Cheney..then upstairs there were 2 more bedrooms, one with a queen bed, the other with 2 sets of double bunkbeds and then on the 3rd floor (or attic, really!) there was another set of bunkbeds and 2 single beds.  Somehow, Cleo and I ended up in the attic and Brent and Sue ended up downstairs on the couches...but it all worked out and we really did have quite a few laughs just over the sleeping arrangements.  It wouldn't be a family function without a little "dysfunction"...am I right:???

On Saturday we just ate breakfast at the condo and then us girls went to the Outlet Mall to do a little shopping.  It WAS NOT exactly shopping weather, but we did it anyhow.  It was so cold and snowing and blowing but we were able to get a wheelchair for Mom Cheney and all they wanted for collateral were Tamis' drivers license and her library card...seriously???  Not sure what the library card was all about, but we got the wheelchair and it was free!  After shopping we went back to the condo, met up with the guys and headed to downtown Park City.  It is such a cool little ski resort town, nestled right into the mountains and you can see all the ski runs and chair lifts right from the center of town...if you haven't been, you should go sometime it is that gorgeous!!!  We walked around some of the shops and then headed to Bandits Grill & Bar for lunch.  It was pretty empty because the peak season hasn't really started yet, so we pretty much had the restaurant to ourselves, which was nice.  Our waitress was Liesel from South Africa and she was AWESOME!  She took a lot of teasing from my hubby but she was really a good sport and even brought a super huge, wickedly amazing chocolate and ice cream dessert for Mom & Dad in celebration of their anniversary.  It was a good meal and we all enjoyed it very much.  We then headed back to the condo and just hung out the rest of the afternoon.  There was a little football watching (it really wouldn't be a Saturday without college football, right?) a few caught a little nap...guess who? and the rest just sat by the fire and chit-chatted.

For dinner, Sue & Brent and Tami & Eric bought steaks and we grilled at the condo.  They went all out with baked potatoes, salad, cooked carrots, rolls and steak...it was YUMMY.  I just now realized we didn't get dessert...sad:(  Just kidding, y'all did an awesome job on dinner...THANKS.  After dinner everyone sat around the table and listened to Cleo and Patsy tell their story...about how they met, fell in love, married and started their lives together.  All 4 of the kids then started in on all their childhood memories....you know the "do you remember?" and "remember that time when, etc"....it was really fun to hear a lot of those stories and I know that Cleo and Patsy really enjoyed the flooding of memories at that table.  Slowly, Brent, Cindy and I nudged ourselves away (Eric had to leave b4 dinner to head back to ID) and cleared the table and Brent even did the dishes.  Now that might be an every day occurrence at he and Sues' house, but I was impressed!  The 3 of us then just kind of sat in the living room and let the family of 6 reminisce about the "good ole days"...we wanted to give them their space and some time alone.  After a couple hours of that we all sat together and talked some more about the importance of keeping family ties alive and the logistics involved in that when you all have your own families.  It's not always easy, but we sure try to keep the homefires burning.

Bedtime, night #2:  Ask my husband...he is still that naughty little boy who is the last one to bed, always wreaking havoc and playing pranks on someone.  Lets just say...he shouldn't be allowed a smartphone with access to questionable apps!!!  I'm just gonna leave it at that...use your imaginations :)

Sunday morning was checkout time.  We all kinda woke up at the same time, so once we were showered and ready, we still had a little time for visiting and saying goodbye.  It was a great weekend, filled with lots of laughter, lots of reminiscing and also new memories, great food, great company, lots of snow to provide a beautiful backdrop and most importantly, quality time with the family.  Some of our kids and grandkids felt a little left out, but it was only so that Cleo and Patsy could enjoy time with their 4 kids, uninterrupted and we certainly did not mean to hurt any feelings.

Here are just a few pictures of the weekend, I can't possibly post them all but again just want to say thank you to all of Cleos' siblings and their spouses for coming together and making this such a memorable 60th Anniversary celebration for their parents.  We love you Cleo and Patsy

Girl Time

The last two weekends have been jam packed with GIRL TIME!!!  The past 18-24 months have been a blur and filled with sadness, stress and the unknown and little to no alone time with my girlfriends.  Although I am a firm believer that we are never given more than we can handle, I do believe The BIG GUY does test our patience at times:)  We all need to have a little girl time, without the men in our lives.  Time to just chill, play games, shop, gossip (I know, not nice right??) eat and just hang out in our jammies if that's what we want to do.  

I was able to go to Lake Martin with Libby and Lauren 2 weekends ago to their amazingly beautiful lakehouse.  It was beyond gorgeous...peaceful, calming and very relaxing.  They taught me to play Hand & Foot, a seriously fun and way addicting card game.  We ate, played cards until late at night, put puzzles together (Libby kept telling me that as we age, we need to keep our minds sharp by doing puzzles, etc..LOL!)  It was such a great time with fabulous friends and just what the Dr. ordered.  

This is the view of the lake from the outdoor porch...Unfortunately all the pics I took from my cell phone were "lost in translation" when I transferred the info from my defective phone to the replacement phone when I returned home:(  I did steal this one from Libbys' FB photos, and you can just imagine this view with the Fall colors...AMAZING!!! I really had a great time and look forward to many more fun times with the Carlsons.

This past weekend, I flew to Tampa, FL and spent 4 days with my friend Tammy Mountain.  We used to do everything together when we lived there and I miss her dearly, but it was really fun catching up with her and again, having quality time with the girls.

We started the weekend with a quick pedicure, then lunch and the last showing of THE HELP.  I read the book and was really looking forward to the movie.  We then headed back to Tammys' to watch the final game of the World Series...don't ask, she wasn't thrilled to watch this but since she's such a good friend and she knows I LOVE baseball, she did indulge me:)  On Saturday we shopped, a LOT stopped over to see her kids and granddaughter, then went to dinner with another sweet friend Tami Bellows.  We caught up, ate a great meal and had some great laughs.  We then went back to Tammys' did some decorating & rearranging of pictures, then watched The Lincoln Lawyer.

Sunday, we shopped (AGAIN!) and I was able to finish my last Christmas gift for my grandkids, ate a fabulous late lunch and then just chilled at her house.  We talked and laughed and just caught up on everything.  Monday (Halloween) we shopped (do you notice a theme here??) ate a really good late lunch then went to see her granddaughter b4 she went trick or treating, then back to Tammys' to watch Something Borrowed.

I did also see my Sinus Dr while in Tampa and had a great check-up!  I was nervous as it had been almost 2 years since I'd seen him, but he said everything looked great and come back in a year...I was thrilled.

These are 2 of my BEST friends ... we have shared many, many great times and laughs together and I miss them both so much.  Loved seeing them and spending time catching up.

I don't even know what to say about this pic T Bellows...however, there was a large green grasshopper thingy on the concrete beside her, LOL.  She is a HOOT!!!

This is T Mountain and I at her sons' house on Halloween.  Neither of us love having our pictures taken, thus the sunglasses on me and the scowl on her face, LOL.

So, as you can tell I am blessed with some pretty amazing girlfriends. Thanks to y'all for everything and mostly for just always being there for me. I look forward to many, many more good times ahead.  I also should give a shout out to my amazing hubby for recognizing when I need "girl time" and encouraging me to do fun things, he is awesome and I love him so much.

"RUT" Day

It's almost here~Rut Day~a day that I dread every October 15th since 1996! For those of you not from the West or those who have no hunters in their family or for those of you who just really don't give a dang, October 15th (lovingly referred to as Rut Day in our home!) is the day Elk season opens back home in Wyoming. Cleo used to live for this day, plan his vacations around this day and basically look forward to it the whole year long. He would always be gone for a week, camp out with his brother and his Dad, sometimes with my Dad and Mom, brothers and brothers in law, occasionally with friends...using horses to get into the back country and to carry out the elk. Real Wyoming, roughing it type hunting. Cleo LOVES to hunt and elk hunting is the ultimate for a boy from Idaho. Quality time with family, outdoor adventures and of course the thrill of the hunt. He would come home after this week long hunt stinky (no showers in the wilderness, eww!!) with loads of laundry and dirty camp equipment, but the look on his face and in his eyes made it all worth while...I miss those days for him.

Since leaving Wyoming in 1996, Cleo has only been able to go home once for elk season...sad, huh?? I wish he could go every year. Basically for at least a week leading up to "Rut Day" he kinda starts moping around & gets that sad look in his eyes. Thankfully, he has a little sanctuary of his own at our place here in Ga so at least he can be in the woods and hunt deer. I know it doesn't take the place of elk hunting in Wyoming, but it helps.

Do I understand it?? Not exactly...I mean I don't have a hobby that I'm that passionate about, unless you count baseball but since I don't actually play the sport and am just an avid fan it's different because we go to lots of games and can ALWAYS watch it on tv. There are things that I love to do, but for the most part I can do them whenever I want and it's just different. But I do sympathize for him.

This year, on Rut Day we have a fall festival/birthday party with friends at 2:00 and then our neighborhood bbq at 6:00, so hopefully this October 15th his mind will be preoccupied with other things...and if not, at least I'm sharing his "grief" with friends...LOL!

If you know Cleo at all...this blog will make total sense, if not sorry you wasted a couple minutes reading it, LOL!:)

Happy RUT DAY people...

Playing Catch Up!

As I was catching up on everyone elses' blogs, I realized mine hadn't been updated in nearly 2 months! Summer seems to have gotten the best of me and I guess I just didn't "get 'er done". So as I'm trying to remember anything memorable that's happened since I last blogged, I'm drawing a blank...but, in our world that isn't necessarily a bad thing ;-)

Cleo is now nearly 2 months further in the post transplant process...doing pretty well until a couple weeks ago when he caught the CMV virus :( It nearly drained his energy because of the fever, but now that he's on the anti-virals (will be for 12 weeks total) he is rebounding nicely. It was caught early and the Transplant team says it most likely won't affect the kidney and his labs indicate that as well, thankfully. This is really very common as the majority of the population has been exposed to this virus, thus making it more likely a recipient can/will contract the virus after transplant. Piedmont Transplant has protocols in place for just about every scenario and this was no exception, so we both feel relieved that once the virus runs its course, he will once again be running circles around me...lol!

We were able to go to Houston over the Labor Day weekend and spend some time with Tommy and Cindy (Cleos' bro & SIL). Matt, Ashley and their kids as well as Audrey and her kids were also there making for lots of fun. Reflecting on the weekend, pretty much every memory involves food---and making new memories---and food---and fun---and, well you get the idea, we ate a LOT, but it was sure yummy!! We sure love spending time with the other Cheneys'...thanks for the hospitality y'all and of course all the food!!! I didn't get any pictures~don't have a decent camera anymore and always forget to use my cellphone camera until its past the point of being picturesque..haha! It was a really nice getaway and I'm glad we were able to go.

Now that fall is right around the corner, I'm looking forward to mowing less, reading more and doing some projects inside the house (don't tell Cleo, he doesn't know about them yet!). I expect to see less of Cleo as I'm pretty sure bow season opens this weekend and even on his worst day, he'd pretty much rather be hunting than anything else. I LOVe that he has a hobby that he's passionate about.

Hoping y'all have a wonderful fall...

Milestones...

Today, Cleo and I both went to Piedmont for our 6 month Post-Transplant appts. I know, it's really hard to believe it's already been 6 months (actually was on 7/14). This was my first visit since my 2 wk post-op and all my bloodwork was perfect. I am doing GREAT and go back in Jan. for a 1 yr. post donation and again at 2 yr for the same thing. They do this to gather statistical information and keep data on living donors.

Although they didn't have Cleos' bloodwork back before we left, he too is doing GREAT!!! He feels so good and his energy levels are wearing me out...LOL:) The biggest changes with this being his 6 month visit are:

• He stopped the Valcyte (anti-viral medication)
• He stopped the Bactrim (antibiotic)
• He now only has to see the Transplant team every 2 months

He will always need to have his blood drawn monthly to make sure the medication levels are correct...they can and do need to be changed periodically. But just knowing that he now sees the Nurse Practitioner instead of the Transplant Nephrologist just makes us feel like he really is doing so good, otherwise he would still be seeing the Dr, most likely with complications. I guess he will continue to see them for the first year and then at some point, they will alternate visits between them and his local nephrologist and then always see them on his anniversary month. What an amazing place Piedmont is...it will always hold a special place in our hearts. Not only is this where Cleo had his transplant, but where Jarod went through his cancer treatments last year...they are The BEST!!!

So that's it ... in a nutshell! Glad this wasn't a long post, because that would mean I had too much to explain and most likely that wouldn't be good news..HAHA!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

July 13, 1988...The beginning of our story. Well, it really began in January 1988 when Cleo and I were set up on a blind date by mutual friends. We went on a double date with Kurt and Keri to a pizza joint in Rock Springs, WY. I knew then (I really did!) that I would marry this man. Cleo, well it took him a while to come around (not long, as you can see we were married 6 months after that first date!). We were, and still are to an extent, polar opposites. He LOVES the outdoors, hunting, fishing, camping...Me, well I'd rather be in a hotel with room service and bathroom facilites, but I think this is why we've made it work. We both love what we love and respect that we have different interests...although the longer we're married, the more we have found we really do have in common. When we met, Cleo had a 7 yr old son, a 5 yr old daughter and a 3 yr old daughter...I had a 6 yr old son, so we had an instant family. It wasn't always easy, and we didn't have a lot of money but I think we all have some pretty good memories of those days...I'm sure the kids would tell you there were some hairy times too (what kid wouldn't?), but after 23 years all 4 of our kids have grown into amazing adults...all are married to wonderful spouses and we have 5 awesome grandkids! Who would've thought??? There were many skeptics back then...I mean the odds were pretty much stacked against us, but here we are and I believe there will be MANY, MANY more wonderful years ahead of us!
Our Wedding day...in a chapel in Las Vegas, NV. We went to the Courthouse the night before to get our marriage license. It looked and smelled more like an inner city police precinct! We filled out the license, in pencil (yup, the exact same kind you would use to fill out a golf score card!) stood in line and when it was our turn, the clerk asked to see our drivers' licenses', she briefly glanced at them (heck they could've belonged to Elvis & Priscilla and she wouldn't have seen the difference..lol!) no blood tests required, and next thing you know we were holding our official License. The next day, we were picked up at our hotel by a sweet stretch limo. Our driver, Bruno, took us for an "eye-opening" tour of the back streets of Vegas before finally taking us to the chapel. It really was a beautiful chapel and decorated very tastefully, not a "dive" as I kind of expected...I was pleasantly surprised! A woman "minister" appears and starts the ceremony and quickly stops, asking "who/where is your witness?" Oh dear, we didn't think of that, we hadn't asked any family or friends to go with us, so Cleo quickly runs out to the limo and grabs Bruno telling him we need him to be our "witness". After a brief ceremony, we were pronounced Man and Wife by this woman who proclaimed her faith to be something like 10 words long...you know "The Church of the Holy Name of blah, blah, blah"!!! To this day, we sometimes wonder if we were really legally married, but after all this time I guess it was legit...LOL:):):) We enjoyed a night in Vegas, with Cleo begging me to go back to the room, to which I quickly responded "I'm winning, we have the rest of our lives for that!"...and left the next day for a week long honeymoon in California. It was amazing and every day since has been an adventure.

So, here we are 23 years later and I could not be more in Love with this man. He is my everything and I would not want to be on this journey with anyone else. I love you Cleo Kevin Cheney and look forward to many, many more years with you. Years filled with fun and adventure and good times and more Love than ever!!!

Kyle and Mikells' Wedding

May 14, 2011: Kyle and Mikell Cheney Wedding Day

We looked forward to this day for a long time and are so happy for both Kyle and Mikell on their wedding. We pray they will have a very long and happy life together :)

Although it was a really quick weekend trip to SLC (only about 48 hours total!) it was so worth it to watch our oldest son marry the woman of his dreams :) Mikell is just absolutely the perfect woman for Kyle...we hope she understands what she just signed up for...just kidding :) But seriously they are so good together, have so many common interests and goals and we couldn't be happier for them both.

There was a very informal rehearsal at a local park on Friday night with a bbq after. We were able to visit with family a lot on that night and just enjoy a really beautiful night with loved ones. I didn't get any pictures, but luckily Mikells' family did and were gracious enough to share them with us. I have posted a few from the picnic and some from the wedding. Looking back, I'm really sad that we didn't ask for a family picture with all our kids and grandkids, but it's so chaotic when you're at a family wedding and you just forget about details like that :(
24 more hours and this will all be over...
Now PLEASE take this serious and listen to me...LOL!!!
We were just trying to do what we were told
Uncle Brent, Scotty and Ashley (was so good to meet you finally Ashley!)
Launa, Cori, Teiha, Uncle Eric, Cleo, Brenda, Sara holding Kenleigh, Uncle Brent, Scott and Ashley
Grandpa Cheney, Kimmy, Aunt Tami, Cori, Grandma Cheney, Uncle Eric and Cleo...oh and Baby Sam in the stroller of course!
Take a deep breath Kyle...he was so nervous and we were grateful he didn't pass out before the ceremony started!
Mikell and her Dad...she was an absolutely gorgeous bride
Ok, so some of the pictures posted out of order and of course I couldn't figure out how to switch them...anyhow, the happy couple walking down the aisle after the ceremony as Mr. & Mrs. Cleo Kyle Cheney
Back of the gown...really beautiful!
The wedding party
Mikell and the grooms' party...Brayden (Kyles' son) was such a cute little ring bearerKyle with the bridal party
Mikell and her parents
The only picture of Cleo and I with the happy couple (Did I mention I HATE having my picture taken???) it's always like an out of body experience for me
Dad and Son...how handsomeMr and Mrs Kyle Cheney...CONGRATULATIONS to you both!!!! We love you and only wish that we could see you more often.

Live for Today...

Today, I had the extreme pleasure of being invited to celebrate "Donate Life Month" with a nice lunch and presentation at Piedmont Hospital in Atlanta. While Cleo and I were both invited, he was unable to attend because he just returned to work a couple weeks ago and couldn't take the afternoon off.

The MC of the event was Dr. Welchel (Cleos' transplant surgeon) and as is his "norm" he showed up in a white lab coat and his signature cowboy boots...the man even operates in them. He is a very down to earth, laid back man with a gentle soul. He likes to crack jokes and you just want to hug him whenever you're around him. He has been at Piedmont for a very long time and is responsible for helping the hospital grow their living donor program and bringing kidney and liver transplant surgeries to the hospital and making it among the top 10-15 transplant hospitals in the country.

The first guest speakers were Steven and Maryanne Abbate who lost their son in a tragic car accident 5 years ago. His story inspired the movie (released last month) The 5th Quarter. They are from the Atlanta area and they shared their very emotional story about the call that no parent ever wants to receive, the gut wrenching news that their son was declared brain dead and then about their familys' choice to donate his organs. Because of Lukes' gift, 5 lives were saved. They were able to meet the young Mom who rec'd his heart and just recently found out that 2 of the other recipients rec'd their organs at Piedmont Hospital, but they have yet to learn their identity or to meet them. Their story was hard to hear (as a parent especially) and there wasn't a dry eye in the auditorium. They have established a Foundation in Lukes' memory to raise awareness of wreckless teenage driving as well as the need for organ donation. Visit their website for more on their story: www.lukeabbate5thquarter.org

The 2nd speaker was a local radio personality, Melissa Carter from Q100, who received a kidney from her cousin 10 years ago. She shared her story of being a young 29 year old who went to the dr. for a bad case of flu, was given a container for a urine sample, and then told that she was in kidney failure (completely unrelated to why she went to the dr!). She was on dialysis for about a year and a half, then rec'd her transplant at the age of 31, which was 10 years ago. She said the day she was told about her kidney failure, she threw out her cigarettes and hasn't had one since...good for her!!! She talked about living donors being super heroes and that recipients are very much aware of the gift they've been given and want to live their lives in such a way to honor their donors (whether deceased or living). She rec'd her transplant at Piedmont and spoke very highly of the Transplant team, who we know from personal experience are the BEST!!!

It was really special to hear from people who have been on both sides of the organ donation spectrum and who so freely shared their experiences with an audience full of strangers. I shed some tears at both stories, but as I was driving home on I-85 South through Atlanta traffic (for those of you who've been in this traffic, you know what I'm talking about!) I found myself crying to the point where I thought I would need to pull over. I was able to get it together after a few fingers and horns from passing cars...YIKES...and made it home safely. Once in the safety of our home, I seriously lost it. I'm talking full on hysterically crying and I'm thinking to myself "what is your problem?" and then I realized that over the course of the past 13 months, through Jarods' cancer diagnosis and treatment to finding out that Cleo was put on the UNOS transplant list in late summer, that I haven't truly processed it all. Yes, I've shed lots of tears but I would always pull myself together so that others wouldn't see me falling apart or see me as being weak. I know this sounds silly, but my blog is where I am able to journal all my feelings, good or bad and my daughter Sara has been telling me for over a year that one day I would need to truly process all my feelings, and I guess today was that day. I am truly grateful for all that we have and for living in a day and time when medical science can do the things that bring new life to so many people. Our lives have changed so much over the course of the past 13 months and no matter what happens tomorrow, we have today!

On Thursday, it will be 3 months since Cleos' successful kidney transplant. He is doing SO good and as I mentioned earlier, he went back to work a couple of weeks ago. He is enjoying turkey hunting and yes, even yard work!!! He has so much energy and he actually told me last night as he was roaming around the yard after he got home from work, that I "made him like this". Now I'm not sure if that was a compliment or an insult (just kidding), but it makes my heart sing to see him so healthy once again. Jarod went to the dr. last month and rec'd a great report from his oncologist and will be considered in remission end of May/fist of June. We are so very blessed as a family to have them both around and healthy this year.

I plan to live my life with no regrets from here on out...be happy, not worry so much about the small stuff, and if I do leave this earth, make sure that I leave having made it better for someone else :)

Two Month Post-Transplant

Today, it has been 2 months since Cleos' successful kidney transplant. Oh, what a difference a few weeks make in recovery time! Cleos' doctors are really pleased with his recovery and how well he is doing overall. His bloodwork is starting to level out and they haven't changed dosages on the meds for a couple weeks now. We are both feeling so good and have lots more energy every single day. We are both able to do pretty much what we want, except lift over 10 pounds for another couple weeks and he is still to avoid large crowds and obviously sick people. Cleo will meet with his boss later this week to discuss plans for him to return to work in the next couple weeks and he is looking forward to that and getting back into a normal routine.

We have been walking every day unless it's raining and have found new routes that include some wooded areas, so it feels more like hiking than walking. The change of scenery is nice and we really enjoy doing it together. Neither of us have ever been runners or even joggers, but we do walk at a pretty good pace and it's just good to get fresh air and activity. We've started doing things outside now that the weather is getting nicer, but we're glad the grass is still dormant and won't need mowing for at least a couple more weeks :)

It's pretty funny, but Cleo was saying to me the other day that most days he can't even force himself to take a nap now! In the weeks leading up to the transplant, it was nothing for him to take 4-5 naps a day...and I'm talking full on, can't get a rouse out of him naps! I am so grateful that his new kidney is working so well and giving him "new life".

Although Cleo has never asked "why me" or dwelled on the crappy hand life delt him in the 18 years since he was diagnosed with Goodpastures' Syndrome, that 6 month nightmare and the lasting kidney damage it caused sort of robbed him of the prime years of his life. While most people who know him didn't ever realize the change, we both did. Although he's no longer a young 35 year old man, we feel blessed that he now has the energy and stamina that was missing for so many years and we plan to take full advantage of that. The drs have told him not to fly for awhile, but have given reluctant permission for us to fly to SLC in May for our son Kyles' wedding and we are very much looking forward to seeing our family then. Any other travel will have to wait for awhile, but we've become pretty patient and know that the day will come when we can also do that.

Life is really good and we look forward to spring and baseball season and summer and hot, humid days and good times with family and friends and on & on & on~~~

One Month Post Transplant

It has been one month today since Cleos' successful kidney transplant surgery. Although I don't typically subscribe to the whole "Valentines Day" hoopla---kinda think you should just show your love all year round---I thought today would be appropriate to say "I LOVE YOU" Mr. Cleo Cheney! I'm pretty sure he already knows this because we never go to bed without saying that to each other, but nonetheless, I've said it for the world to hear.

We are both feeling really good and getting most of our energy back. Cleo definately has more than he did before the surgery, which is another sign the kidney is doing it's job. I still tend to get a little tired in the evening, but guess it's just my bodys' way of telling me it's had enough for the day! We go back to Piedmont this Wednesday to get Cleos' stent removed and he will also have bloodwork and see the Dr. So far, they are quite pleased with everything and we all continue to be optimistic this will last for a really, really long time and that Cleo will stay healthy. Now that the weather is warming up some, we are walking and up to at least 1.5 miles a day...it feels so good to get fresh air!

I just wanted to share one quick story from the day of surgery...so I'm in pre-op and I'm a very hard stick, whether it be just for blood or starting an iv, and about the 3rd person to come in and try was a young girl probably in her mid 20's. She asked me who I was donating a kidney to and I told her my husband. She replied "I've not met anyone yet that I would do that for". I thought to myself that she'd probably just been dumped and was a little jaded so didn't really give it another thought. Then after her unsuccessful attempt at starting an iv, another nurse came to give it a try. She was probably in her mid to late 50's and she asked me the same question. When I told her my husband she perked right up and said "I was married once for 6 months, it's not for me and there isn't a person in this world I would give an organ to". I was shocked to say the least...I mean really there is not even a family member that you love enough to give this amazing gift to?? I guess it takes all kinds to make this crazy world, but just so we're clear...I was and still am honored to have given this gift to my sweetheart. I wish those 2 ladies happiness and hope someday, somehow their hearts will be softened.

Happy One Month Kidney Anniversary Cleo...I love you with all my heart (and kidney!)

Post Transplant Update

It's been just a little over 2 weeks since Cleos' successful Kidney transplant and we are living, breathing proof that Science, sprinkled with little miracles do exist!!! I can't even begin to tell you how grateful we are to the entire Transplant staff at Piedmont Hospital...they are all Rock Stars in our book! We feel so blessed to be living in a day and time when things such as this are possible and to live so near a city with an amazing transplant center.

Cleo is getting stronger each and every day. His energy level is much better than before surgery and his color is great. He said he didn't realize he looked bad until people started telling him how awesome he looks now. He is still having slight headaches, which have diminished from migraines and continue to get better as they are able to lower the levels of anti-rejection meds. He is also having pretty bad tremors, another side effect from the meds, but hopefully they will get better as well with the lower dosages of meds. His staples (17 in all!) are starting to really bother him, but they are holding firm to not taking them out until 3 weeks! He was able to wear jeans by wk 1, but they now bother the staples too much so he's back to sweats until they come out! He will have the stent removed on Feb 7th.

I'm feeling pretty good. I pulled some muscles in the right abdomen right after surgery and it was pretty painful. I don't tolerate pain meds well so have been on just tylenol since day 2 after surgery and so I just thought I needed to endure the pain. Dr. Wolfe saw me at about 10 days post op and gave me muscle relaxers and within 12-24 hours I was a different person. I now only take them at night before bed and feel pretty good during the day. I was released to drive on Friday and since we are now "flying solo" that feels great!

Jarod and Lindsey were absolutely a "Godsend" leading up to and during our surgeries. Logistically speaking, we could not have done this surgery without them here. They were with us before, during and after the surgeries and took great care of us. They made sure we both got home safely, had all Cleos' prescriptions and did several airport runs to pick up family for us. I understand they were really good to update family and friends with emails and I know that meant a lot to the family. They will also be here for us in the next several weeks and months should we need anything. We love you both so much and appreciate all you've done for us.

Ashley (Cleos' niece) came out ftom Texas to be with us for the first week after surgery. She was AWESOME to have around. I think she got the worst week but she never complained and was a huge help to us. We loved having her here and appreciate Matt giving her up for a week to come help out. Tom and Cindy (Cleos' brother & sis in law) came from Texas for week two and I think it was nice for Cleo to have another guy around. They were also a huge help to us...driving us to ATL twice (once in a terrible rainstorm that had me in a panic!) and cooking for us and just being a support for us. We love you all and can't ever say Thank you enough for helping us and being a great support for us.

We know that our other kids and family would've been here in a heartbeat and we love you all more than words. Your support, encouragement and prayers made all the difference in the world to us both. It's very hard at times to live so far from our family, but we always know that no matter what, they're always there for us. This is one of the emblems to help support and promote Organ Donation...a cause very dear to our hearts.

This picture makes me cringe (I look hideous!). This was about 12 hours after surgery and I was able to walk down the hall to Cleos' room.

This picture was taken Sat night (day after surgery). I had a rough day...reaction to pain meds and then vomiting, so Cleo was able to come down to my room and hang out! He had such a smile on his face that whole weekend and I wondered if he was having any pain at all...lol! I think it was a combination of steroids and true elation at the success of the surgery.

Cleo will definately be "incognito" for awhile as they want him to stay away from large crowds for awhile (especially during flu season), so other than our daily walks and visits to the Transplant Clinic, he will be homebound. Good thing it's winter and not hunting season...LOL!!!

I will try and keep the blog updated as best I can in the weeks and months to follow. Love y'all.

Transplant Surgery

The day is almost here...Kidney Transplant Time...Friday the 14th at 7:30 am! We have known for awhile that this day would come and we look forward, with great relief, to Cleo getting his new, healthy kidney. Of course with any surgery, there can be risks, but we both have a very peaceful and calm feeling about this surgery and have a lot of faith in the surgical team at Piedmont. They are among the top hospitals in the country and above the national average in successful kidney transplants. Cleo will be admitted tomorrow and have a central line inserted as well as lots of pre-op tests. I have my pre-op at the Transplant Clinic tomorrow, but then don't have to be at the hospital until Friday at 5:00 am...ugh (I'm not a morning person!).

We are so blessed to have such a large, supportive family who will help us both through our recovery process. We love you all so much and appreciate, more than words can express, your prayers and love for us. This wouldn't really be possible without each of you. We are also grateful to have many wonderful friends, especially here in the Newnan area, who will help us through the next couple weeks and months.

Cleo...I love you more than I can ever express in words and look forward to Forever and Always with you.

I've put just a few of my favorite pictures of Cleo on this post and I hope that he will be hunting, fishing and playing on a beach in Mexico (or somewhere else tropical) very soon.

Turkey shot in the woods behind our house

Fishing at Mexico Beach, FL

Beach in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico...Pretty sure there was a little hottie to the right of him..LOL!!

First day of our Puerto Vallarta trip...2008